Malala calls upon men to play due role in resolving women issues

She urged men to encourage at least 12 years of compulsory education for girls

OTTAWA: Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai has called upon men to play their due role in resolving women issues at micro and macro level worldwide.

“Issues related to women are global; they are not limited to any specific country or to any particular society. So men have to play a role. They should come out and work with the community leaders to enrich girls experience with at least 12 years of compulsory education,” she said while addressing a reception hosted by the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Tariq Azim.



She said, “If my father had not allowed me to speak out, I would not have been allowed to come here and speak here, and be who I am today”, said a statement issued by the Pakistani High Commission in Ottawa on Thursday.

The global activist for girls’ education was happy that Pakistan was striving to improve the state of education but wanted to do more to support girls’ learning.

High Commissioner of Pakistan Tariq Azim with Malala. PHOTO: PAKISTANI HIGH COMMISSION, OTTAWA

“Although my country, Pakistan, is making steady progress in education and women emancipation, we need to put together all our efforts to deal with the forces which are against girls’ education.”

The Nobel laureate on Wednesday received an honorary Canadian citizenship and praised Canada's open embrace of refugees under the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

She also urged the world to open their doors for refugees, particularly those who had fled their homes amid war in Syria.

A large number of federal ministers, parliamentary secretaries, members of the Canadian parliament, government officials and media personalities also attended the reception.

Welcoming Malala, Pakistan’s High Commissioner commented that her courage and fearless attitude has no parallel in recent history.



“Her desire and commitment to seek knowledge and education have changed not only her destiny but also that of every girl in the world”, he said while highlighting that Islam also encourages learning.

Azim said the government of Pakistan was embarking on investment to build more schools, training-programmes and scholarships for girls.

“The challenge was a big one and of course much more needed to be done especially taking education to the most marginalised children and youth, and training local teachers to build community resilience”, he concluded.